transform.forward

🌟 As a new school year begins, reflection is more important than ever. 🌟 Whether you're preparing for another year in education or simply feeling those "back-to-school" vibes, this season offers a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on the journey so far. In our latest blog post, one team member shares insights on how annual reflection has shaped her approach to coaching and personal growth. From creating "Done" lists to weekly team check-ins, discover practical strategies to make reflection a powerful tool for you and your team. ✨ Curious to learn more? Visit our blog to dive into the full post and start your journey towards intentional reflection and growth: https://lnkd.in/gRbXXe4t Let’s embrace this season of reflection together! 🚀 #Reflection #Leadership #Coaching #Education #PersonalGrowth

🚀 As we return to more regular office routines, it's time to rethink the value of face-to-face interactions. 🌟 Our latest blog explores how in-person office time can boost creativity, reduce misunderstandings, and enhance team cohesion—while also finding the sweet spot in hybrid work models. Discover how leaders can strategically integrate office time into flexible work arrangements to maximize both productivity and employee satisfaction. 📈 👉 Dive into the full blog post to explore the unseen benefits of office face time and get actionable insights for your team: https://lnkd.in/gyktSSbC #HybridWork #OfficeCulture #TeamProductivity #Leadership #WorkplaceInnovation #EmployeeSatisfaction #WorkLifeBalance #ReturnToOffice

🎒 Back to School: A Time for Reflection and New Beginnings 🎒 As August rolls in, the back-to-school season brings with it a mix of nostalgia and new challenges. For many of us, it’s a time of transition—whether you’re heading back to campus, starting a new role, or just adjusting to the chaos of post-summer life. 📚 In our latest blog post, Dr. Adam Cebulski, our Founder and CEO, is joined by several of the t.f team to reflect on August's unique energy and what it means for our team and clients. From the excitement of first-day jitters to the challenges of setting new routines, we explore how this season impacts us all, even beyond the classroom. Ready to dive into the full reflections and stories from our team? 👉 Check out our blog post now! https://lnkd.in/gsfmfte8 #BackToSchool #AugustEnergy #Leadership #Reflection #NewBeginnings #Teamwork #BlogPost

Hosting effective meetings is a cornerstone of successful teamwork, yet many teams struggle with making the most of their meeting time. You are likely familiar with some of the most common practices for hosting successfully meetings: 🎱 Create and Share the Agenda Ahead of Time: An agenda outlines the topics to be discussed and sets the structure for the meeting. Share it with participants in advance so they can prepare and understand what to expect. This preparation fosters more meaningful and productive discussions. ✅ Keep Track of Action Items: Assign someone to document action items during the meeting. Clearly define who is responsible for each task and set deadlines. This accountability ensures that decisions made during the meeting translate into actionable steps, driving progress. 🔔 Respect Everyone's Time: Start the meeting on time, adhere to the allotted time for each agenda item, and end the meeting as scheduled. Punctuality demonstrates respect for everyone's time and keeps the meeting focused and efficient. 🚙 Use a Parking Lot: Keep a “parking lot” or issues list to note items that arise during the meeting but are not on the agenda. This ensures important points are not forgotten and can be addressed later without derailing the current discussion. And while we absolutely endorse utilizing these strategies, we have found that the key to successful meetings is often overlooked - clarifying the meeting's purpose. One of the biggest issues we see when working with teams to maximize the productivity of their meetings is a lack of clarity regarding the purpose of individual meetings. This seemingly obvious step can transform the way your team collaborates. Meetings without a clear purpose often leave participants feeling frustrated and unproductive. Is the meeting meant for brainstorming, decision-making, sharing updates, gathering information, or building team camaraderie? When the purpose is ambiguous, leaders and participants operate under different assumptions, leading to confusion and unmet expectations. As Neil Strauss said, "unspoken expectations are premeditated resentments." Clear communication about the meeting’s objective ensures everyone is on the same page and ready to contribute effectively. When participants know the purpose of the meeting, come prepared with an agenda, track action items, and respect the time allotted, meetings become valuable and efficient. Remember, the effectiveness of a meeting is not just about the time spent together but about achieving the desired outcomes and ensuring everyone leaves with a clear understanding of their next steps. The next time you plan a meeting, start by clearly defining and communicating its purpose and see the difference it makes. #EffectiveMeetings #Teamwork #ProductiveMeetings #MeetingManagement #WorkplaceEfficiency #AgendaSetting #ActionItems #TimeManagement #MeetingPurpose #Collaboration #LeadershipTips #WorkplaceProductivity

As consultants, we often collect and analyze massive amounts of unstructured data - think hundreds of pages of handwritten worksheets, interview transcripts, and notes. It can be quite overwhelming; how do we gain meaningful insights from the data we collect? Let’s use a metaphor to understand this process: a parking lot. Have you ever been to an airport parking lot over summer break? Thousands of vehicles span a massive area - it is easy to get lost in the chaos, forget where you parked, or get frustrated navigating to an entrance or exit. It’s a mess! That’s how raw, unstructured data looks, too. It’s our job to make meaning of the messiness. One way to make meaning of the mess is via sorting. If I wanted to sort the vehicles in the airport parking lot, I would start by assessing the lot to see what I’m working with. Then, I might start by placing all the sedans together, followed by all SUVs, all trucks, and all remaining vehicles. Now, I have four somewhat-organized groups. However, I may quickly notice that my SUV group is huge - much larger than the others. Perhaps I’ll sort the SUVs in a more nuanced manner, differentiating between hybrid, electric, and gas SUVs or between black, white, and colored SUVs. Now, my groups are a little more distinct. Now, imagine each vehicle in the parking lot as a single piece of data - a phrase, sentence, or thought. On each project, we have thousands! It’s time-intensive, but we start by reading all the data. After a few reading rounds, we see themes emerge in the data. We start grouping each piece of data - each vehicle - into a group, which becomes a theme in the dataset. For example, in our strategic planning engagements, themes that emerge may include “communication,” “resource allocation,” or “belonging.” Just like with the vehicles, some of these themes are too broad. We may continue sorting, breaking “communication” into more nuanced themes of “communication,” “collaboration,” and “accountability.” This would be similar to separating all our sedans into more specific groups - such as by make (Toyota, Ford, and Chevy) or color (black, white, and red).  There are always going to be data pieces that don’t fit neatly into a theme (where do we stick that purple El Camino from 1972?) or may fit into multiple categories (are we considering my crossover a sedan or an SUV?). That doesn’t make these data points any less meaningful; we always aim to inform clients of “other” pieces of data that we find important and impactful, even if they do not fit into a primary theme. These findings help generate reports and data analyses, which inform an organization's decision-making. Effectively managing unstructured data is both an art and a science. By employing thoughtful thematic analysis, we can turn complexity into clarity and data into meaningful insights. #DataAnalysis #UnstructuredData #ThematicAnalysis #DataInsights #OrganizationalConsulting #DataScience #BusinessIntelligence #DecisionMaking

One of our favorite ways to engage with clients is by facilitating team retreats. Having facilitated retreats for teams of all shapes and sizes, across industries, and facing a variety of opportunities and challenges, we’ve identified some best practices and helpful reminders about the value and purpose of retreats. Do you have any memorable retreat experiences that had a positive impact on a team you led or were a member of? In the post-COVID era, the importance of setting aside dedicated time to come together in person cannot be overstated. Retreats provide a unique opportunity to build relationships, reflect on the past, and set goals for the future. These gatherings are not just about professional development but also about strengthening the bonds that make a team resilient and cohesive. Why are retreats so valuable? With an increasing amount of work and meetings happening vitually, in-person interactions can reignite the sense of community and belonging that drives team success. Additionally, more and more teams are hybrid or fully remote and spread out geographically. For these teams, facilitating in-person opportunities through a retreat can foster camaraderie between co-workers that is more difficult to create virtually. However, in-person retreats aren't always possible due to distance, budget, or health concerns. Thoughtfully planned virtual retreats can still offer many benefits. The best retreats, whether in-person or virtual, allow team members to step away from their usual environment and routines, sparking creativity and new perspectives. This can mean meeting in a different location or using engaging online platforms for virtual retreats. Balancing professional goals with personal interactions is crucial. A successful retreat includes time for reflecting on past achievements and setting future goals, along with team-building activities and informal socializing. In many workplaces, extended time to dream, brainstorm, or plan strategically is difficult to come by. Retreats can provide the time needed to engage in these conversations. Avoid packing the schedule with only strategy meetings and include fun activities to foster deeper relationships. In our experience, retreats that prioritize a mix of professional and personal engagement lead to higher team morale and a renewed sense of purpose. Leaders can foster an environment where teams thrive by intentionally designing retreats to be both productive and engaging, whether in-person or virtual. Remember, the value of a retreat lies in strengthened relationships and shared experiences that propel the team forward. #ChangeManagement #Retreats #VirtualRetreats #TeamBuilding #Leadership #OrganizationalChange #Transformation #transformforward #OrganizationalSuccess 

What small changes have you implemented in your organization that led to significant improvements? Change management can be a tough nut to crack, but understanding the science of habit formation can make all the difference. By applying the principles of how habits are formed, leaders can create lasting changes that stick. Let’s dive into how this works and how you can put it into action. At the heart of habit formation is the habit loop, a concept popularized by Charles Duhigg in “The Power of Habit.” The habit loop consists of three parts: cue, routine, and reward. The cue triggers the behavior, the routine is the behavior itself, and the reward reinforces it. As Duhigg puts it, “Habits, scientists say, emerge because the brain is constantly looking for ways to save effort.” By identifying and tweaking these elements, you can help employees develop new, positive habits that support your change initiatives. Big changes can feel overwhelming, so it’s smart to start with small, manageable adjustments that can build momentum. This idea of “small wins” can create a sense of achievement and progress. Duhigg explains it well: “Small wins are a steady application of a small advantage.” Small changes can reduce resistance and make the overall process of change easier for everyone. New habits need consistent practice to become ingrained. Encouraging employees to repeat desired behaviors until they become second nature is crucial. Aristotle famously said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” By fostering a culture of consistency, you help cement new behaviors into daily routines. The environment also plays a huge role in habit formation. Modifying the workplace to make it easier for employees to adopt new behaviors can be a game-changer. This might involve redesigning physical spaces, updating digital tools, or changing workflows to support new habits. James Clear, in “Atomic Habits,” captures this idea: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” Creating an environment that supports desired behaviors helps ensure new habits can thrive. Behavioral economics offers valuable insights into guiding employee behavior. Techniques like nudges—subtle prompts encouraging desired actions—can help steer employees toward positive behaviors without forcing them. Dan Ariely, a leading behavioral economist, says, “Behavioral economics is about understanding how people actually behave, not how they should behave.” Using these insights can help design interventions that naturally lead employees toward the changes you want. #ChangeManagement #HabitFormation #Leadership #OrganizationalChange #Transformation #transformforward #OrganizationTransformation #Consulting #Strategy #change

📣 “Only when you stop doing what doesn’t work, can things get better.” - Spencer Johnson  This week’s topic: Get Comfortable with Sunsetting Initiatives 🌅 Why is sunsetting important? In dynamic organizations, it's vital to assess and evaluate the initiatives and projects in play regularly. Not every initiative will remain relevant or effective over time. Sunsetting outdated or underperforming projects can free up resources and energy for more impactful endeavors. This practice encourages continuous improvement and adaptability, key traits of successful leadership. Sunsetting involves recognizing when an initiative has served its purpose and making the strategic decision to conclude it. This process requires leaders to be pragmatic and forward-thinking, willing to make tough choices for the organization's greater good. By letting go of initiatives that no longer align with current goals or best practices, leaders can redirect focus to areas with greater potential for success. A common challenge is the emotional attachment leaders and teams may have to certain projects. Feeling invested in initiatives that have consumed significant time and effort is natural. However, clinging to outdated projects can hinder progress and innovation. Effective leaders must evaluate initiatives objectively, considering their continued relevance and impact. They must be willing to sunset initiatives to maintain organizational agility and focus when necessary. In our work with various organizations, we've seen how effective sunsetting can revitalize teams and drive renewed energy toward strategic goals. Leaders who embrace this practice demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement and their readiness to adapt to changing circumstances. This not only enhances organizational efficiency but also fosters a culture of resilience and innovation. Remember, sunsetting is not about giving up - it's about making room for growth and evolution. By regularly reviewing and refining your initiatives, you ensure that your organization remains agile, focused, and poised for future success. Stay tuned for additional insights as we explore more strategies to enhance your leadership practices this month. #Sunsetting  #LeadershipTips  #EffectiveLeadership  #ExecutiveLeadership  #SpencerJohnson   #LeadershipDevelopment  #TeamCollaboration  #LeadershipCoaching   #OrganizationalSuccess  #ExecutiveCoaching

📣 “There is no more effective way to empower people than to see each person in terms of [their] strengths.” — Donald O. Clifton, Creator of CliftonStrengths ☀ June Leadership Tip 4️⃣ : Commit to Knowing Your Team Why is this commitment crucial? Understanding your team members’ strengths, motivations, and aspirations allows you to tailor your leadership approach to better support and inspire them. It fosters a culture of trust and engagement, where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work. Getting to know your team involves regular, meaningful interactions. It means listening actively, providing personalized feedback, and recognizing individual contributions. Utilizing tools like CliftonStrengths, Leadership Versatility Index, Enneagram, MBTI, Korn Ferry and others can offer deeper insights into each team member’s unique talents, helping you to better support their growth and align their strengths with organizational goals. A common challenge is the tendency to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. However, every team is composed of individuals with distinct strengths and needs. By taking the time to understand these nuances, you can create a more inclusive and effective leadership approach that resonates with each team member. Committing to knowing your team members more deeply can significantly enhance your leadership effectiveness. Understanding each team member’s unique talents and motivations helps create a more aligned and motivated workforce. When leaders are attuned to the strengths and needs of their team, they can tailor their approach to better support and inspire each individual. We're looking at you Individualization folks! While working with leaders and teams, we've seen how powerful it can be when leaders genuinely commit to knowing the teams they’re leading. This commitment enhances trust, collaboration, and overall performance, driving a more positive and productive organizational culture. Remember, leadership is an ongoing journey of learning and adaptation. Commit to understanding yourself and your team, and watch your organization thrive. #Teambuilding  #CliftonStrengths #LeadershipVersatilityIndex #Enneagram,#MBTI #KornFerry #LeadershipTips  #EffectiveLeadership  #ExecutiveLeadership  #PatrickLencioni  #transformation #strengths

📣 “Leadership is not just a position or a title, it is action and example.” — Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal This profound insight from Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal reminds us that effective leadership transcends mere titles. It blends the art of inspiring and connecting with the science of strategic thinking and informed decision-making. As leaders, embracing both aspects is crucial for fostering a thriving, dynamic organization. We're continuing our June series of leadership tips designed to refine and enhance your approach, offering practical guidance to support your leadership journey. ☀ June Leadership Tip 3️⃣ : Embrace Leadership as Both Art and Science Why is this dual approach important? Leadership as an art involves understanding and connecting with people on a personal level, fostering trust, and inspiring teams to achieve their best. On the other hand, leadership as a science involves leveraging frameworks, theories, and models to make informed decisions and drive strategic initiatives. By integrating these two dimensions, leaders can create a balanced, effective approach that drives organizational success. Expanding your knowledge about leadership and organizational behavior frameworks can enhance your ability to view challenges from multiple perspectives. Bolman and Deal’s Four-Frame Model, is one such framework that many of our teams and leaders have resonated with recently. These frameworks provide a structured approach to understanding complex organizational dynamics and developing robust strategies. One common pitfall is focusing too heavily on either the art or the science of leadership, to the detriment of the other. While it's essential to cultivate emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, neglecting the analytical and strategic aspects can lead to misguided decisions. Conversely, an overly analytical approach without genuine human connection can result in disengagement and low morale. Striking a balance between these elements is key to effective leadership. In our experience working with diverse teams and leaders, we've observed the transformative power of combining leadership art and science. Leaders who invest in understanding both the human and structural facets of their roles are better equipped to navigate complexities and inspire their teams. Remember, leadership is not a one-dimensional endeavor - it requires a holistic approach that embraces both art and science. By continually expanding your knowledge and understanding of leadership theories and frameworks, while also committing to personal and team development, you can lead with greater confidence and impact. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies to elevate your leadership practices throughout June. #FourFrames #LeadershipTips #EffectiveLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #PatrickLencioni #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamCollaboration #LeadershipCoaching #OrganizationalSuccess #ExecutiveCoaching